Learning Theory Resources

Introduction

We all have spent a lot of time in school as learners, and we've also learned outside of school. Despite their education courses and our "expertise" regarding their own learning, it is common for student teachers to enter their first classroom with a "common sense" view of learning: Learning is being able to remember facts or apply strategies discussed in class, and teaching is transmitting those facts and strategies as clearly as possible. This page collects resources on learning theories that might be helpful for teachers just entering their classrooms.

Resources for Reviewing Learning Theories

There are several online summaries of learning theories.

• EduTechWiki Overview of Learning Theories - The summary of Learning Theory in an a wiki about educational research maintained by the university of Geneva.
• Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory Into Practice Databaseprovides concise summarizes for fifty learning theories, including for each theory an overview, a description of its scope, examples of how it has been used, and supporting references.
• Learning-Theory.com - As unlikely as it sounds, there is such a site. I could not figure out who maintains it, but I looked at a few entries and they seemed reasonable.

Applying Learning Theories in Classrooms

• ASCD Resources: Constructivism - ASCD provides some references and video clips of teachers / researchers discussing what it means to be a constructivist teacher.
• ASCD Resources: Brain-Based Learning - ASCD's page on classroom strategies that take into account what we know about how brains work and learn.